Director of Religious

SUMMARY:

The Director of Religious Education is an exempt, at-will position working in the Religious Education Department of Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano. Under the direction of the Pastor, the Director of Religious Education plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the Parish Religious Education programs. The Director of Religious Education attends staff meetings and will successfully assume new responsibilities for the Mission Parish, and provide direct support in strengthening the organization’s overall performance. As a representative of the Roman , the Director of Religious Education will conduct him/herself according to the goals and mission of the Church in performing their duties.

REPORTS TO: Pastor

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED: Receives direction from the Pastor and exercises supervision over Catechists and staff in the Religious Education program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Typical duties may include, but are not necessarily limited to the following:

• Responsible for the assessment of needs, setting of goals and priorities, and periodic evaluations of all Parish religious education programs including the Sunday Children’s of the Word, and Sacraments of First Eucharist, Reconciliation and Confirmation. • Responsible for directing and supervising parish religious education programs including curriculum development and the selection of texts and materials. • Leads and develops leadership skills among staff to create and administer the religious education programs. • Responsible for the recruitment, selection and training of Catechists and other volunteer staff working within the Religious Education program. • Plans, directs and implements the celebrations of the Sacraments of First Eucharist and Reconciliation. • Develops, directs and evaluates programs for the preparation and instruction of parents for the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation. • Develops annual budgets for the Religious Education programs. • Oversees purchasing and expenditures for Religious Education Department.

Page 1 of 3 Dir Religious Ed-job description.docx • Prepares and submits annual departmental reports to Pastor and Diocesan administrators. • Schedule, as needed, and plan agenda for Religious Education staff meetings. • Attends and participates in Parish staff meetings. • Plan, coordinate and direct the Religious Education Department fund raising projects. • Supports the Diocese of Orange Formation Department by maintaining policies and programs, and by attending workshops, seminars and meetings, as requested. • Coordinates the Safe Environment and fingerprinting process including maintaining Parish and Diocesan database, providing forms and to staff and volunteers following established procedures and policies. • Represents the Mission Parish on matters pertaining to religious education. • Maintains a parish religious education resource center. • Responsible for the supervision, development and evaluation of Religious Education Department staff. • Perform related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned by the Pastor.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Job Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: • Membership and active participation in a Roman Catholic Church required. • Knowledge of principles of organization, administration, budget and personnel management. • Knowledge of group dynamics and the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with diverse individuals and groups. • Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with staff, parishioners and the public. • Ability to make independent and good judgment decisions within the established policies and procedures of the Roman Catholic Church, Diocese of Orange and the Parish. • Ability to exhibit dependable and reliable work habits. • Good computer application skills in MS Word, Excel and Outlook.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Any combination of experience and education that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Education: • Bachelor of Arts in sociology, psychology, religious education or related field. • Possess an initial catechist certification • Obtain or possess master catechist certification or Masters Degree in Religious Education.

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Experience: • Two or more years experience in coordination of religious education programs. • Five of more years teaching experience in religious education.

WORKING CONDITIONS: • Working environment includes an office setting and may include activities on Mission Parish grounds including exposure to inclement weather. • Extensive contact with the public. • Job functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for prolonged periods of sitting or standing; walking, climbing stairs; lifting and carrying 20 to 25 pounds; extensive use of computer keyboard.

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